It has been just over a year since the TIFF Bell Lightbox opened, but it has asserted itself as one of the best theatres Toronto has to offer. The Bell Lightbox provides both new and old programming year-round, with films that appeal to all kinds of audiences. For the 2011 Fall/Winter season, there are many reasons to visit this theatre, including the unique series and new films offered only at the Bell Lightbox.
Wrapping up in a couple of weeks is the “Back to the 80s: Teen Edition” series, where you can see teen classics among the likes of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, and St. Elmo’s Fire up on the big screen. There are also introductions by the series’ programmers, and events going on in the theatre in relation to the screenings. The Bell Lightbox just concluded a Lars von Trier series, celebrating the controversial director’s work alongside the release of his new film, Melancholia (now playing at the Lightbox). This apocalyptic drama is a mesmerizing and largely metaphorical take on depression and familial relationships, with an incredible performance by Kirsten Dunst, who won Best Actress at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Some other new releases at the Lightbox this winter include the French film, Tomboy, which won the Jury Award at the Teddy Awards, celebrating LGBTQ cinema, as well as many other prizes at various film festivals.
Beginning in December is the “Family Classics” series, which includes princess films to help promote the Grace Kelly exhibit currently on display. Such memorable films as Ever After, A Little Princess, and Enchanted are in this series, as well as some Christmas favourites like Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street.
If you’re tired of the regular Hollywood drab, and your local movie theatre just isn’t cutting it for you, take a trip down to the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The diverse and cutting-edge cinema is unlike any programming in Toronto, and the venue itself is vibrant, modern, and inviting. Any movie-lover is guaranteed an amazing experience. Check tiff.net for show times and more information.
